CVE-1999-0148 in IRIX
Summary
by MITRE
the handler cgi program in irix allows arbitrary command execution.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 10/26/2025
The vulnerability described in CVE-1999-0148 represents a critical security flaw in the IRIX operating system's Common Gateway Interface implementation that enables unauthorized command execution through the handler cgi program. This issue resides within the fundamental web server infrastructure of IRIX systems, specifically targeting the CGI (Common Gateway Interface) handler that processes web requests and executes server-side scripts. The vulnerability stems from improper input validation and sanitization within the CGI processing framework, creating an environment where malicious users can inject and execute arbitrary commands on the underlying system.
The technical flaw manifests when the handler cgi program fails to properly sanitize user-supplied input parameters that are passed to system commands. This allows attackers to manipulate the CGI interface by injecting command sequences that bypass normal security boundaries and execute with the privileges of the web server process. The vulnerability operates at the intersection of CGI security misconfigurations and operating system command execution mechanisms, where user-controllable variables are directly incorporated into system call invocations without adequate filtering or escaping. This type of vulnerability is categorized under CWE-78 as "Improper Neutralization of Special Elements used in an OS Command ('OS Command Injection')", which represents one of the most prevalent and dangerous classes of injection vulnerabilities in web applications.
The operational impact of this vulnerability is severe and far-reaching across IRIX environments that utilize CGI-based web applications. Attackers can leverage this weakness to execute arbitrary code with the privileges of the web server process, potentially leading to complete system compromise, data exfiltration, and unauthorized access to sensitive system resources. The vulnerability affects not only the immediate web server functionality but also exposes underlying system components that may be accessible through the compromised web interface. This creates a vector for privilege escalation attacks where attackers can move laterally within network environments and establish persistent access points. The vulnerability's exploitation aligns with ATT&CK technique T1059.001 for Command and Scripting Interpreter, specifically targeting the execution of system commands through web interfaces.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-1999-0148 require immediate implementation of input validation and sanitization measures within CGI applications, along with proper privilege separation between web server processes and system-level operations. System administrators should ensure that CGI programs properly escape or filter all user-supplied input before incorporating it into system commands, implementing strict parameter validation and using safe execution patterns that prevent command injection. The remediation approach should follow industry best practices for secure coding standards and include comprehensive testing of web applications for injection vulnerabilities. Organizations should also consider implementing network segmentation and access controls to limit the potential impact of such vulnerabilities, while maintaining updated security patches for the IRIX operating system. Additionally, monitoring and logging of web server activities should be enhanced to detect anomalous command execution patterns that may indicate exploitation attempts.